Name: Mango Lime Bars: A Tropical Twist on a Classic Dessert
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 16-24 bars
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4-6 tablespoons ice water; 2 large ripe mangoes, peeled and cubed (about 2 cups); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup lime juice (from about 2-3 limes); 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 3 large eggs; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon lime zest; Powdered sugar, for dusting; Lime wedges, for garnish

Mango lime bars, a slice of sunshine on a plate! Imagine sinking your teeth into a creamy, tangy, and utterly irresistible dessert that perfectly balances the sweetness of ripe mangoes with the zesty brightness of fresh lime. These aren't just any dessert bars; they're a tropical escape in every bite, guaranteed to brighten even the cloudiest of days.

While the exact origins of fruit bars are somewhat debated, the concept of layering fruit curds over a buttery shortbread crust has been a beloved baking tradition for generations. Think of the classic lemon bar, a close cousin to our vibrant mango lime bars. But where lemon bars offer a familiar citrusy tang, mango lime bars elevate the experience with the unique, almost floral sweetness of mango, creating a flavor profile that's both comforting and exciting.

What makes these bars so universally appealing? It's the delightful combination of textures – the crisp, buttery shortbread provides a perfect foundation for the smooth, creamy filling. The taste is an explosion of tropical flavors, a harmonious blend of sweet and tart that dances on your palate. Plus, they are incredibly convenient! Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or simply a delightful treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea, mango lime bars are easy to make ahead of time and transport, making them a crowd-pleasing dessert for any occasion. So, get ready to bake up a batch of these sunshine-filled squares – you won't be disappointed!

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
4-6 tablespoons ice water

For the Mango Lime Filling:

2 large ripe mangoes, peeled and cubed (about 2 cups)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup lime juice (from about 2-3 limes)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon lime zest

For the Optional Topping:

Powdered sugar, for dusting
Lime wedges, for garnish

Preparing the Crust:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for a consistent crust texture.
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to work quickly so the butter doesn't melt. Small pieces of butter create flaky layers in the crust.
Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. Continue adding water until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this will develop the gluten in the flour and result in a tough crust. The dough should be slightly shaggy but hold its shape when pressed together.
Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, making the dough easier to roll out. You can even chill it for longer, up to a few hours, if needed.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is preheating, prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by lightly greasing it. You can also line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, for easy removal of the bars later.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit the bottom and slightly up the sides of the prepared baking pan. If the dough is sticking, add a little more flour to the surface. Aim for an even thickness to ensure the crust bakes uniformly.
Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough to the baking pan and press it into the bottom and up the sides. Use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust several times. This prevents the crust from puffing up during baking.
Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes, or until it is lightly golden brown. This pre-baking step ensures that the crust is fully cooked and prevents it from becoming soggy when the filling is added. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Remove the crust from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the mango lime filling.

Preparing the Mango Lime Filling:

In a blender or food processor, combine the cubed mangoes, sugar, lime juice, flour, and salt. Blend until smooth. The flour helps to thicken the filling and prevent it from being too runny.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and lime zest. The heavy cream adds richness and the lime zest enhances the citrus flavor.
Pour the mango mixture into the egg mixture and whisk until well combined. Make sure there are no lumps and that the mixture is smooth and homogenous.

Assembling and Baking the Mango Lime Bars:

Pour the mango lime filling over the pre-baked crust. Spread it evenly to ensure that each bar has a consistent amount of filling.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the filling is set and the edges are lightly golden brown. The center of the filling should be slightly jiggly but not liquid.
Remove the bars from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan before cutting. This is important because the filling will continue to set as it cools. Cooling completely prevents the bars from falling apart when you cut them.
Once the bars are completely cool, dust them with powdered sugar, if desired. This adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
Cut the bars into squares or rectangles. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. If you lined the pan with parchment paper, you can lift the entire slab of bars out of the pan before cutting.
Garnish with lime wedges, if desired. This adds a pop of color and reinforces the lime flavor.
Serve and enjoy your delicious homemade mango lime bars! They are best enjoyed fresh but can also be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Tips for Success:

Use ripe mangoes: The flavor of the mangoes is crucial to the success of this recipe. Choose mangoes that are fragrant and slightly soft to the touch.
Don't overmix the crust: Overmixing the dough will result in a tough crust. Mix only until the dough just comes together.
Chill the dough: Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and the butter to firm up, making it easier to roll out and preventing it from shrinking during baking.
Pre-bake the crust: Pre-baking the crust ensures that it is fully cooked and prevents it from becoming soggy when the filling is added.
Let the bars cool completely: Letting the bars cool completely before cutting allows the filling to set and prevents them from falling apart.
Lime Zest Boost: Don't skip the lime zest! It adds a wonderful aromatic and flavorful punch to the filling.
Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mangoes before adding the full amount of sugar. If they are very sweet, you may want to reduce the sugar slightly.

Variations:

Coconut Crust: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the crust for a tropical twist.
Different Citrus: Experiment with other citrus fruits, such as lemon or orange, in place of the lime.
Spiced Filling: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
Nutty Crust: Incorporate finely chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, into the crust for added texture and flavor.
White Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled bars for an extra touch of indulgence.

These mango lime bars are a delightful treat that's perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet mango and tangy lime is simply irresistible! I hope you enjoy making and eating them as much as I do.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These mango lime bars are truly a slice of sunshine on a plate, and I genuinely believe you need to experience their vibrant flavors for yourself. From the buttery, crumbly crust to the tangy, sweet, and utterly irresistible filling, every bite is a little piece of tropical paradise. I know, I know, I might be a little biased, but trust me on this one – they're *that* good. But why are these bars a must-try, you ask? Well, beyond the sheer deliciousness, they're surprisingly easy to make. The recipe is straightforward, using readily available ingredients, and even a novice baker can whip up a batch with confidence. Plus, they're a fantastic way to use up those perfectly ripe mangoes that are just begging to be transformed into something special. Forget boring desserts; these bars are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or simply a delightful treat to brighten up your day. Now, let's talk serving suggestions and variations, because who doesn't love a little customization? For a simple yet elegant presentation, dust the cooled bars with a generous coating of powdered sugar. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes them to the next level of indulgence. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes to the crust for extra texture and flavor. For a more intense lime flavor, you can increase the amount of lime zest in the filling. Conversely, if you prefer a sweeter bar, add a touch more sugar. You could even experiment with different types of mangoes! Honey mangoes will lend a particularly sweet and floral note, while Ataulfo mangoes offer a creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor. Don't be afraid to get creative and tailor the recipe to your own preferences. Another fun variation is to create mini mango lime tarts instead of bars. Simply press the crust mixture into individual tart pans and bake as directed. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties and gatherings. You could also add a layer of cream cheese to the filling for a richer, more decadent dessert. The possibilities are truly endless! But honestly, the best way to experience the magic of these mango lime bars is to simply make them yourself. I've poured my heart into this recipe, and I'm confident that you'll love the results. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to embark on a baking adventure. I'm so excited for you to try this recipe and discover your own love for these delightful bars. Once you've made them, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did you think of the flavor? Share your photos and comments with me – I can't wait to see your creations! Happy baking, and enjoy every single bite of these sunshine-filled treats! Don't forget to tag me in your social media posts so I can see your amazing mango lime bars! I'm eager to see your baking triumphs!